In our continuing series, our editor Lisa Martland picks out some of her Top Picks from the last week of theatre (to 20 October 2019), ranging from Olivia Mitchell’s thigh-slapping joy on seeing Noises Off to Libby Purves’ plea that we listen to the story being told in [Blank] at the Donmar Warehouse.
‘Friel’s characters are allowed to blossom’: TRANSLATIONS – National Theatre
Brian Friel’s Translations is a rich and complex play and, in Ian Rickson’s production which returns for a second run in the Olivier, its layers are drawn out through the performances of a high class ensemble ensemble.
NEWS: Lindsay Duncan, Alex Jennings, Lucian Msamati & Ciarán Hinds feature in new National Theatre season
Highlights of the next new season at London’s National Theatre, running from May to October 2019, include several new productions and new broadcasts and outdoor activity announced to celebrate NT Live’s 10th birthday.
NEWS: National Theatre leads the Evening Standard Theatre Awards with 14 nominations
The shortlist for the 64th Evening Standard Theatre Awards has been unveiled. The winners will be announced on Sunday 18 November at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.
Text of the Day: Translations at the National Theatre
Random and topical thoughts and quotes gathered by My Theatre Mates contributor Aleks Sierz, first published on www.sierz.co.uk.
‘Empathetic, entertaining, relevant & moving revival’: TRANSLATIONS – National Theatre
So there’s a real feeling of anticipation about this revival of his 1980 drama, Translations, a major play which has enjoyed an enormously good international reputation since its first staging at the Guildhall in Derry, Northern Ireland.
REVIEW ROUND-UP: Translations at the National Theatre
Translations, Brian Friel’s account of nationhood as seen through the eyes of those living in a small village is now playing at the National Theatre, starring Colin Morgan and Ciarán Hinds. Here’s what critics have been saying about it…
‘Still painfully relevant’: TRANSLATIONS – National Theatre
Brian Friel’s searing attack on British imperialism and entitlement is still painfully relevant, nearly 40 years after it was and nearly 200 years after the events depicted in the story.
‘The vibrant exploration of the beauty & challenges of language make it a play to catch’: TRANSLATIONS – National Theatre ★★★★
It is rare to find a show so good-natured and yet ominous and academic, all at the same time. Come for the raucous humour, stay for the dramatic, dirty colonialism and the lesson in the pros and cons of multilingualism. Translations is beautiful and daring, go see it.
‘Bloody marvellous it is’: TRANSLATIONS – National Theatre ★★★★★
It was time the Oliviers had an inspiring success again, and Translations is it. It ought to run longer. It ought to be in cinemas and touring.
‘A much-needed success for the National’: TRANSLATIONS – National Theatre
As Ireland moves into a new era, Brian Friel’s play remains at the heart of debate – how can a country maintain its essence while embracing the modern world?
NEWS: Colin Morgan & Ciarán Hinds to star in Brian Friel’s Translations at the National Theatre, War Horse returns
Casting has been announced for the new National Theatre season, with highlights include Colin Morgan and Ciarán Hinds in Brian Friel’s Translations.